Rotary is a Lifelong Legacy of Service.

As a child, I remember the long, winding halls of the Fluor Campus, a path leading to something special: Sugar Land Rotary’s annual Shrimp Fest, filled with festivities galore. As far as my eyes could see, there were thousands of people, bounce houses, auction items, and my personal favorite–Shrimpie, the giant Shrimp mascot. At the time, all I knew was that it was a fun celebration. It wasn’t until years later that I came to understand its deeper purpose.

As a teenager, my Boy Scout Troop 992 volunteered to prepare the gallons upon gallons of tartar and cocktail sauce for the Shrimp Fest. I will never forget the smell. But even more memorable was someone I would never forget: Sonny Johnston. A longtime Sugar Land Rotarian, Sonny always manned the kitchen with steady hands and a warm heart. He exemplified the very core of Rotary: an enduring flame always willing to light the next generation. 

Years later, when I joined Rotary myself, I had the honor of participating in Sonny’s Legacy. A steadfast and focused man, Sonny maintained a 50+ year record of Perfect Attendance. I am grateful that I was able to help drive him to our weekly meetings when he could no longer drive himself. Though Sonny is no longer with us, the flame he ignited lives on. Now, it’s our turn to carry the torch.

Stories like mine are echoed all over the world. Rotary is not just a local organization but a global movement. With over 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide in over 200 countries, Rotary is the largest non-political service organization in the world. 

This year, Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo calls us to “Unite for Good,” our District Governor Tom Kelchner reminds us to put “Compassion in Action.” My theme, building on their messages, is “Ignite.” I believe that through Unity and Compassion, we can Ignite lasting change–in our club, in our community, and beyond.

In striving toward these messages, I have just a few goals for our club this year:

1. Ignite a new Interact club, bringing high school students into Rotary service.
2. Ignite a new Rotaract club, so that college students can engage in meaningful service.
3. Reignite our Youth Exchange Program, sending and hosting one student for a life-changing cultural experience.
4. Perform at least one service project as a club each month, showing our community the enduring presence of Rotary.
5. Every member of our club participates in at least one service project this year.

These initiatives reflect our duty to prepare the next generation of service-minded leaders. Rotary is strongest when it builds not just projects, but people.

We walk in the footsteps of those who came before us, and we clear the path for those yet to come. Together, we carry forward the enduring legacy of Rotary. Join me–let’s Ignite the flame for the next generation of Rotarians.

Best Regards,

Josh Griffin

Sugar Land Rotary President 2025-26

(832) 752-9991